To view the Sustainability Center file, select SustainabilityCenterPulito_NoMass.rvt or go to:
For 2 Units
Within the Revit file, there are sheets showing the 1st and 2nd floor plans. I utilized window and curtain walls to let light flow through the building and provide heat from the sun. Internal upper windows keep spaces lit while not interfering with privacy. In some cases, I used glass doors to allow light flow. Overall, I opted away from skylights because I want to maximize photovoltaic space on the roof and was able to get a large amount of sunlight into the building without them. During the winter, skylights can be less beneficial if there is heavy snow. I provided shading to the building using roof overhang as well as vertical and horizontal fins on the curtain walls.
For exterior walls, I chose EIFS on Mtl. Stud as it does decent with insulation, is fairly thin compared to other options, and is generally sustainable. The heat transfer coefficient (U) is 0.0151 BTU/(h*ft^2*F). The thermal resistance (R) is 66.0967 (h*ft^2*F)/BTU.
For roofing, I chose Wood Rafter 8” - Asphalt Shingle - Insulated. This is a fairly generic roof type and has decent thermal insulation. The heat transfer coefficient (U) is 0.0173 BTU/(h*ft^2*F). The thermal resistance (R) is 57.8546 (h*ft^2*F)/BTU.
This is a render of the building with integrated roofing, exterior walls, and windows:
Notice the roof overhangs and fins on the curtain walls for shading.
For 3 Units
For EUI, I was able to get the building under Architecture 2030 standards:
I used Insight design specifications that were equal to the BIM value or better. Roof construction, infiltration, and wall construction played major roles in this. I can further improve my BIM materials for the roofs and walls. The current characteristics are average. The general combination of the other categories helped to drive EUI down as well. Lighting efficiency and plug load efficiency were big factors. Lastly, the PV characteristics were also very influential. I opted for the best stats in this field since this is a long term sustainability center. It should have top of the end equipment and not worry about having a short payback period.
The following design specifications were selected:
For 4 Units
I made an Illuminance Map using the Revit Lighting Analysis extension for Level 2 of the Sustainability Center. I opted to do this for Level 2 as I was more concerned about the lighting distribution for this floor over Floor 1. The detailed lighting floor plan is below:
Overall, lighting distribution is good for this floor. Internal windows help to move light toward the core of the building. Heavy use rooms like the lobby and exhibit spaces have plenty of lighting while low use rooms like the storage rooms have low lighting. I can further refine this for different times of day.
Going forward, I will work on carving the lower level and building pad for a water feature such as a river to pass under the building. I want to plan this aspect while I think about the structural needs of the building to ensure both categories are successfully analyzed.